[Short-term effect of trabecular metal rod implant on early avascular necrosis of the femoral head].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the operative method of trabecular metal rod implant for the treatment of the early adult avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) and its clinical efficacy.

METHODS

From March 2005 to January 2007, 28 patients of ANFH were treated by trabecular metal rod implant, including 18 males and 10 females aged 18- 56-years-old (average 30.6-years-old). The ANFH was induced by trauma in 7 cases, steroid in 10 cases, alcohol in 5 cases and unknown reason in 6 cases. There were 22 cases of unilateral ANFH and 6 of bilateral ANFH, involving 18 left hips and 16 right hips. According to Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) international classification of osteonecrosis launched in 1997, 16 cases (16 hips) were classified as stage I, 12 cases (15 hips) as stage II, 1 case (1 hip) as stage III and 2 cases (2 hips) as stage IV. Harris score was 50.3 +/- 2.2 preoperatively. The course of disease was 12-24 months (average 16 months).

RESULTS

All wounds healed by first intention, and no postoperative complication occurred. All the cases were followed up for 18-36 months (average 26 months). The pain and functional limitation of patients were improved significantly. The Harris score was 85.7 +/- 2.4 18 months after operation, showing a significant difference when compared with preoperative score (P < 0.05). Twenty-three cases were graded as excellent, 3 as good and 2 as fair, with the excellent and good rate of 92.86%.

CONCLUSION

Trabecular metal rod implant is an effective method for the treatment of early ANFH and can minimize the occurrence of complications, but the follow-up observation of its long-term therapeutic effect is still needed.